Cousin Barbara, the queen of the Berkshires, asked me to suggest a few highlights on her proposed trip to California this winter. So I thought I’d let you all in on it as well.

Remember, this is a highlight tour along the coast. There are dozens more things to do and see. California has a wealth of wonderful cities, towns and activities. Whether you have a week or a month, here we go:

San Diego

Areas to see and/or stay – Mission Bay/La Jolla/Downtown

– Trollytours.com—good overview of the city

– Balboa Park—trolly tour and two outstanding museums—Mingei International and San Diego Museum of Art

On to San Francisco—on the coastal route about 382 miles—a great scenic drive along the Pacific Ocean.

The first stop can be Morro Bay, where Morro Rock jumps 570 feet out of the Pacific Ocean. Great spot for biking or kayaking.

Cambria—33 miles north of San Luis Obispo, a delightful small town to stop at.

Next is Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a Mediterranean-style mansion built by the legendary William Randolph Hearst. There are three different tours of this unbelievable, palatial European extravaganza.

Big Sur, in the heart of big trees and a dense forest, was the home of the actualization movement. Nepenthe on the coast is a great lunch spot.

Next and a must see is the Monterey Peninsula. It includes Carmel, Pebble Beach, the 17-mile drive by car and Monterey itself with the outstanding aquarium and Steinbeck’s Cannery Row (or what’s left of it).

Then it’s on to famed San Francisco, a treat in every direction.

Must see areas: Fisherman’s Wharf—cable car to Union Square (both nice places to stay), and then there is Lombard Street, de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park and Alcatraz.

Just north of the city you will find Muir Woods and Sausalito. A little further north the Napa Valley with Oakville and St. Helena, and a host of wineries and outstanding restaurants.

Two very special treats a little further away are Lake Tahoe (188 miles) and Yosemite (197 miles). If you have the time, both are very much worth seeing and experiencing.

Obviously you can break this up into two or three trips. Each of the places I’ve mentioned has their own websites for up-to-date info.

If you need more help/info or want to make reservations, call Marlene Leitner at Plaza Travel 800) 347-4447.